Celebration in Washington, DC

Photos by W. L. Doromal ©2008

May 15, 2008

Advocates, past and present federal officials, some House and Senate staff members, former CNMI guest workers, reporters, and supporters of CNMI federalization gathered at D'Acqua Restaurant for a celebration of the signing of S. 2739.

The Washington Post had this to say:

What's that line about revenge being "a dish best served cold"? There was some gloating on the menu Wednesday at D'Acqua, where about 20 human rights activists and Hill types gathered to celebrate the passage of a bill extending U.S. immigration laws -- and their protections for foreign guest workers -- to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Why D'Acqua? Well, because the Penn Ave eatery holds a spot on the D.C. scandal tour as the former home of now-defunct Signatures . . . the restaurant owned by imprisoned ex-superlobbyist Jack Abramoff. . . who spent years blocking the legislation for his island factory-owner clients. "We said, 'Let's gather and raise a glass' -- but where? Well, it was obvious," said Dennis Greenia of anti-sweatshop organization Co-op America. "We had the sense that if these walls could talk . . ."

The celebration was grand! D'Acqua provided an elegant setting, and courses upon courses of delicious food. For some, like myself, the event was more than a celebration; it was a reunion of many team members and dear friends from the 1990's who worked together for social justice and reform. Glasses were raised and toasts were made by many. I toasted all of the people who worked to make the passage of this legislation a reality, and I toasted the guest workers.

Around the dinner table, many stories were shared - some funny, some sad. Those who could not join us were remembered and acknowledged.

I read this statement from Congressman George Miller, who championed this legislation:

May 14, 2008

Dear Friends:

Thank you for the invitation to tonight's celebration, and most importantly, thank you for all that you have done collectively to bring about this new era in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

All of you know that the labor and immigration situation in the Marinas has been an ongoing concern of mine for many, many years. The exploitation of foreign workers, and the role that Jack Abramoff, Tom Delay, and their fellow collaborators played to continue that exploitation, is truly a dark chapter in the history of the islands and of the Congress. It should be no surprise that I agree with you: the labor and immigration reforms that we have passed in this Congress are truly something to celebrate.

I'm not so naive to think that our work is done, however. We must ensure that these reforms are implemented correctly, and we must continue to work to help the CNMI succeed.

While I'm very sorry that I wasn't able to join you tonight, I am confident that we will continue to work together to help those who live and work in the Marianas.

Thanks again,

George Miller
Member of Congress

_____________________

And Frog read this message from former Representative Paul (Pete) McCloskey:

Statement of former Rep. Paul N “Pete” McCloskey
May 14, 2008
Friends of the CNMI Dinner/Celebration

I wish I could be with you tonight to thank you all for your service to the nation in beginning to correct the shameful oppression and exploitation of men, women, and children – especially women - in the Marianas. This was a scheme perpetuated by Jack Abramoff and a cadre of now-departed (or soon-to-be departed) House Republican Leaders, who turned these islands where many US Marines died into just one more profit-making center for Tom DeLay’s infamous K Street Project.

So egregious was this example of naked lobbying power, with many of the transactions having occurred right here in this very room, that it finally woke the voters up and led me to form a group called Revolt of the Elders to challenge the corrupt House leadership that had so miserably failed this nation.

This political outrage finally led to the November, 2006 shift of power and responsibility in the 110th Congress, and has set the stage for a renewal of public faith in our government. The bill you have all worked so hard to pass is a part of that effort, to be sure, and tonight is all about celebrating this result and not dwelling on the sins of plotters past.

I do not know all of you who have given so much and at times paid such a heavy price to achieve these results, but I am particularly proud of what George Miller, Wendy Doromal, Robert Stack, and Dennis Greenia have done to help redress this example of greed and the unethical purchase of raw political power. I am sure many of you have given at least as much as these named individuals, members of both parties, and I salute you as well.

I hope you all enjoy your celebration over the forces of darkness in this most appropriate of places.

Pete McCloskey, Co-Chair, Revolt of the Elders.

_________________________
Below are some photos of friends who attended the celebration:

Nousher Jaheti and Abdu'l Mozhid, former CNMI contract workers

Author, Thomas Frank

Another friend of the CNMI

Dennis Greenia (Dengre from the Daily Kos)

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this celebration a great evening - especially to Bob, David, and Dennis!